A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Xativa: A Historical and Cultural Treasure in the Heart of Valencia

Xativa, located in the province of Valencia, Spain, is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its impressive castle, its cobblestone streets and its vibrant nightlife, Xativa is a tourist destination that should not be overlooked.

The Castle of Xativa

The Castle of Xativa, which towers over the city, is one of the main attractions in the area. This castle, dating back to the 10th century, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The castle is divided into two parts: the Minor Castle and the Major Castle. Both offer a fascinating insight into the history of the region and are a testament to Xativa's rich history.

The Old Town

The old town of Xativa is another attraction of the city. Its narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings offer a glimpse into the city's past. Points of interest include the Church of San Francisco, the Church of San Pedro and the Basilica of Santa Maria, all with impressive architecture.

The Nightlife

Xativa is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The city boasts a large number of bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and a wide selection of wines. In addition, the city regularly hosts events and festivals that attract visitors from around the world.

The Natural Environment

In addition to its rich history and culture, Xativa also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy its stunning natural environment. The city is surrounded by mountains and hills, making it an ideal place for hiking and cycling. Moreover, the nearby Sierra de Mariola is a popular place for hiking and offers stunning views of the region.

The Gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of Xativa's major attractions. The city is famous for its baked rice, a traditional dish prepared with rice, pork ribs, blood sausage, tomato and chickpeas. In addition, Xativa is known for its wine production, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the numerous wineries in the area.

In conclusion, Xativa is a tourist destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich history and culture, its vibrant nightlife and its stunning natural environment, Xativa is a place that is well worth visiting.

Gastronomic Products of Xàtiva

• Oven-Baked Rice

  Xàtiva is famous for its oven-baked rice, a traditional dish that is cooked in a wood-fired oven. This dish is made with rice, pork ribs, black pudding, tomato, chickpeas, and potatoes. The oven-baked rice is a hearty and tasty dish, perfect for cold winter days.

• Arnadí

  Arnadí is a typical dessert from Xàtiva that is made during Holy Week. This sweet is made with pumpkin, almonds, sugar, and eggs. The result is a delicious and very nutritious dessert that is served cold and is adorned with marzipan figures.

• Cured Meats

  Xàtiva is known for its cured meats, especially for its sausage and black pudding. These products are made in a traditional way and are air-cured, which gives them a unique and unmistakable flavor. The cured meats of Xàtiva are a must in any snack or family meal.

Sports Activities in Xàtiva

Hiking

Xàtiva offers a wide variety of hiking routes that will allow you to enjoy its rich flora and fauna. You can explore the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park or the Borja Route.

Cycling

If you are a bicycle lover, Xàtiva is the perfect place for you. With routes that cross beautiful natural landscapes and historical monuments, you can enjoy an unforgettable day of cycling.

Climbing

For the more adventurous, Xàtiva offers the opportunity to practice climbing in the Sierra de Mariola. With routes of different levels of difficulty, both beginners and experts can enjoy this activity.

Water Sports

Although Xàtiva is not located on the coast, you can practice water sports on the nearby beaches of Valencia. Surfing, paddle surfing, sailing or kayaking are just some of the available options.

Places near Xàtiva

If you are in Xàtiva and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Albaida, a charming Spanish municipality, offers a rich Valencian history and culture. Visitors can enjoy its medieval architecture, picturesque landscapes and exquisite local cuisine, highlighting dishes such as the "olleta" and homemade sausages.

Alcoy, a hidden gem in Spain, is famous for its rich history, modernist architecture and vibrant festivals. Visitors can delight in its local cuisine, highlighting the "olleta alcoyana" and the "peladillas", typical sweets of the region.

Bocairent, a hidden gem of Valencia, Spain, offers a unique tourist experience with its medieval architecture, mysterious caves and exquisite local cuisine, highlighting dishes such as "olleta de blat" and artisanal sausages.